MANAGEMENT OF HMYOI ASHFIELD RETURNED TO PREMIER
14 Oct 2002 09:45 AM
The management of HMYOI Ashfield has been returned to Premier
Custodial Services, the Prison Service announced today.
The Director General of the Prison Service, Martin Narey, has decided
to return the prison to Premier after being impressed with recent
improvements.
A public sector Governor was installed at Ashfield on May 23 because
of concerns over safety and control.
Premier have appointed an experienced prison Governor, Vicky O'Dea,
to be the new Director of Ashfield. She will replace Kevin Lockyer,
who has been acting Governor since May.
Mr Narey said:
"I have decided that the management of Ashfield should now be passed
back to Premier.
"The Prison Service and Premier have worked in close partnership
during the past five months and Ashfield is now a safer
establishment. But there is much more to be done before Ashfield can
be described as a good and decent establishment.
"Premier have provided me with a comprehensive plan further to
improve Ashfield and I have agreed to the appointment of an
outstanding woman as director. Under Vicky O'Dea's leadership and
with proper investment Ashfield can become a constructive and caring
place to hold young people."
Elaine Bailey, managing director of Premier Custodial Group, said:
"We are delighted that a person of Vicky's outstanding calibre has
agreed to join us. I would like to thank Kevin Lockyer and his
officials for the enourmous help they have given us while we have
been working in partnership over the past few months."
The management of Ashfield reverted to Premier today (14 October).
Vicky O'Dea will take up post on October 28.
END
NOTE TO EDITORS
1. Ashfield is a Young Offenders Institution at Pucklechurch, near
Bristol. The Prison is operated under contract to the Prison Service.
On May 23 2002 the Prison Service appointed a public sector Governor
to take temporary charge of the prison due to concerns over safety
and control. The action was taken using powers under Section 88 of
the Criminal Justice Act 1991. The management of the prison was to be
passed back to Premier today (14 October).
2. Vicky O'Dea has been appointed by Premier to be the new Director
of HMYOI Ashfield. Ms O'Dea is currently the Governor of HMP Swansea.
.